Tours and Cruises
in Kure Beach, NC

Aquarium Exploration

Get up close to mesmerizing marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, named one of the top aquariums in the U.S. by TripAdvisor numerous times. Meet more than 2,500 animal residents including Luna, the albino alligator and an adorable family of Asian small-clawed otters in their Otters on the Edge habitat, complete with waterfalls and a log slide. Observe the towering saltwater tank’s sharks, rays and eels, then reach into the touch tanks to feel sea stars and horseshoe crabs. To gain backstage access and explore typically off-limits areas like animal holding and exhibit spaces, purchase tickets for a behind-the-scenes tour in advance. Afterwards, grab lunch at SharkBites and enjoy it outdoors in the aquarium’s Adventure Reef area, where kids can climb, build, swing, jump and imagine in a natural space.

Historic Grounds

Experience living history as you learn about the Civil War’s largest land-sea battle, which took place at the south tip of Kure Beach. At Fort Fisher State Historic Site, take the scenic trail past the remains of the South’s largest earthen fort. The site’s interpretive exhibit panels contextualize sights like a restored palisade fence and an impressive reconstruction of a 32-pounder seacoast gun at Shepherd's Battery. All tours of the grounds begin in the Visitor Center which features an educational audiovisual program. The site hosts historical reenactments throughout the year, including an event commemorating the Battle of Fort Fisher each January. Check the site’s schedule and plan your visit for a day when costumed guides share historical stories.

Paddling Excursions

Embark on an adventure to Zeke's Island Reserve, an uninhabited island accessible by kayak or boat. Join an expert tour guide from Kayak Carolina and navigate the tranquil bays and marsh creeks before arriving at the protected nature preserve, where you may observe shorebirds, sea turtles and dolphins. For a self-guided scenic tour of the surrounding waterways, rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and other paddling gear from area outfitters like Pleasure Island Rentals, located nearby on the island.

Top Filming Locations

Embark on a self-guided tour to discover filming locations in Kure Beach and Fort Fisher. Check out top spots from iconic television series "One Tree Hill," "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and "Dawson's Creek," and feature films like Nicholas Sparks' "Safe Haven." Visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area where Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough filmed scenes for "Safe Haven." Or, walk along the south end of Fort Fisher and see where Nathan (James Lafferty) and Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) were married in "One Tree Hill." Stroll along the paved trail near the rocks at Fort Fisher State Historic Site to trace the steps of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" characters. At North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, swing by the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit, a quarter-million gallon saltwater fish tank that doubled as "Cape Cod Shoals" in "Dawson's Creek."

More productions are on the way to our small-town beach, including Amazon MGM Studios' upcoming romcom "Merv." Starring Zooey Deschanel of "New Girl," the movie will film this spring in Kure Beach. Find more details on upcoming productions, filming locations and other filming updates in our guide.

Scenic Ferry Cruise

Board the Fort Fisher Ferry for a 45-minute cruise to the mainland. The ship departs from the tip of Fort Fisher, heads up the Cape Fear River and docks two miles from the historic town of Southport. Enjoy beautiful views along the way from the observation deck.